Funding for Rural Transit Down in Minnesota while Demand is on the Rise

Minnesota Public Radio reporter Dan Olson recently chronicled the struggles being faced by rural transit providers. The story is specific to Minnesota, but likely familiar to others across the country. He reports that demand for service has been increasing due to an aging population and an increase in the number of people unable to afford a personal vehicle. At the same time, however, funding for rural transit services is down. He writes:

No shortage of demand but a definite shortage of money. Already Mn/DOT has cut $400,000 to rural transit providers. Another cut of a million and half dollars is on the horizon.

The cuts take a toll on public transit providers and also some private nonprofits who get state transportation grants.